Septic System Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

By Christine Jones


Most homeowners don't put much thought into what happens when waste goes down the drain. But if you rely on a septic system to treat and dispose waste water from your household, what you don't know could hurt you. How well your equipment works, and how long it lasts, are both dependent on proper septic system maintenance Sanford ME.

There are a few reasons why septic system maintenance is important. First, the equipment is quite expensive to repair or replace, and improper maintenance by inexperienced homeowners is a common cause of failure. In contrast, upkeep expenses are minimal when compared to the cost of new equipment. Looking after your equipment would also help maintain a healthy living environment. Failing sewage systems are also known to cause property values to decline.

Sewerage equipment maintenance is somewhat similar to automobile upkeep, since only a little effort is required on a regular basis. Annual inspections are recommended to ensure that all components are working properly. Systems that have more mechanical parts, pumps and electrical float switches usually require more frequent inspections. A professional will be able to thoroughly inspect the entire network and check for underlying problems, such as cracked pipes. To find a reliable professional contractor, you can check local publications or research over the internet.

Using water efficiently would not only improve the performance of your sewerage system, but also reduce the likelihood of problems. Replacing existing toilets with more efficient modern alternatives is an easy way to cut down on the water that gets into the septic tank. Selecting the proper load size on your washing machine would also help here.

The drainfield is an element in the sewerage system that separates solids and liquids emerging from the tank. It's thus very important to protect it from potential damage. Homeowners are advised to avoid planting anything else besides grass near the equipment. Roots from trees and shrubs are known to cause damage. Besides, heavy machinery should never be operated over any part of the e.

Keeping records on all inspections and work performed on the equipment is a crucial part of maintenance. You need to know where the equipment is located and keep a sketch the layout in your records. Regularly noting the sludge and scum levels is also vital in determining when the tank needs pumping. Don't forget to check the tank's condition and any completed repairs as well. Having all important details at hand could save you both time and money.

Your sewerage network isn't a place for garbage. Anything that goes down the drain affects how well the equipment works. Remember that the network contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste. Flushing toxins down the toilet or pouring them down the sink could kill these organisms and cause harm to the entire system. You therefore need to observe caution to keep out oil-based liquids, harsh chemicals and non-biodegradable solids out of your septic tank.

For most homes in remote areas and smaller towns, the sewerage system plays a huge role in day-to-day life. It's thus important to take care of the equipment. Knowing how your unit works can help prevent complicated problems. Most contractors are more than willing to offer homeowners advice on how to maintain their particular equipment.




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